第57章 启示录
§1
第57章 启示录
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Chap. 57 - The Revelation
§3
在使徒时代，信基督的人都充满了热诚和兴奋。他们不息不倦地为主效劳，以致在相当短的时期之内，这天国的福音居然冒着强烈的反对，传遍了当时有人居住的欧西世界。跟从耶稣的人这时所表现的热心都已记在《圣经》中，用以鼓励日后各世代的信徒。关于主耶稣所用来代表使徒时代全体信徒的以弗所教会，那“为诚信真实见证的”宣称：[1]{AA 578.1 }
§4
In the days of the apostles the Christian believers were filled with earnestness and enthusiasm. So untiringly did they labor for their Master that in a comparatively short time, notwithstanding fierce opposition, the gospel of the kingdom was sounded to all the inhabited parts of the earth. The zeal manifested at this time by the followers of Jesus has been recorded by the pen of inspiration for the encouragement of believers in every age. Of the church at Ephesus, which the Lord Jesus used as a symbol of the entire Christian church in the apostolic age, the faithful and true Witness declared: {AA 578.1 }[1]
§5
“我知道你的行为、劳碌、忍耐，也知道你不能容忍恶人。你也曾试验那自称为使徒却不是使徒的，看出他们是假的来。你也能忍耐，曾为我的名劳苦，并不乏倦。”（启2:2-3）[2]{AA 578.2 }
§6
I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: and hast borne, and hast patience, and for My names sake hast labored, and hast not fainted. Revelation 2:2, 3. {AA 578.2 }[2]
§7
以弗所教会的经验起先是以赤子般的诚朴和热心为特征的。信徒们都认真地努力顺从上帝的每一句话，他们的生活也表现着对于基督具有真诚的爱。他们乐意遵行上帝的旨意，因为有救主长久住在他们的心中。他们既充满爱救赎主的心，所以他们最高的宗旨乃是要领人归向他。他们没有想到将基督恩典的宝藏囤积起来。他们感觉到自己使命的重要，所以就带着“在地上平安归与他所喜悦的人”的信息，心里火热，急欲将救恩的佳音传到地极。世人也认明他们是跟过耶稣的。这些原来有罪，以后悔改、蒙赦、洁净而得以成圣的人，竟能借着上帝的儿子而与上帝同工了。[3]{AA 578.3 }
§8
At the first the experience of the church at Ephesus was marked with childlike simplicity and fervor. The believers sought earnestly to obey every word of God, and their lives revealed an earnest, sincere love for Christ. They rejoiced to do the will of God because the Saviour was in their hearts as an abiding presence. Filled with love for their Redeemer, their highest aim was to win souls to Him. They did not think of hoarding the precious treasure of the grace of Christ. They felt the importance of their calling; and, weighted with the message, On earth peace, good will toward men, they burned with desire to carry the glad tidings of salvation to earths remotest bounds. And the world took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus. Sinful men, repentant, pardoned, cleansed, and sanctified, were brought into partnership with God through His Son. {AA 578.3 }[3]
§9
当时教会的教友在意见和行动上都是联合一致的。爱基督的心乃是一条金链将他们团结在一起了。他们竭力追求更加完全地认识主，因此在他们的生活上也就表显了基督的喜乐和平安。他们看顾在患难中的孤儿寡妇，并且保守自己不沾染世俗，知道如果不这样行，就是否定自己的信仰表白并且否认自己的救赎主了。[4]{AA 579.1 }
§10
The members of the church were united in sentiment and action. Love for Christ was the golden chain that bound them together. They followed on to know the Lord more and still more perfectly, and in their lives were revealed the joy and peace of Christ. They visited the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and kept themselves unspotted from the world, realizing that a failure to do this would be a contradiction of their profession and a denial of their Redeemer. {AA 579.1 }[4]
§11
圣工在每一个城市中进行着。许多人悔改信主了，他们也顺次感觉到自己必须传说他们所领受的无价财宝。他们非等到那照亮他们心灵的光也能照亮别人，就不能安心。众多的非信徒都得以认识基督徒盼望的缘由了。他们向一般步入歧途的人，被人唾弃的人，以及那些一面自称是明白真理、而一面却爱宴乐不爱上帝的人，作了热诚鼓舞的个人的劝告。[5]{AA 579.2 }
§12
In every city the work was carried forward. Souls were converted, who in their turn felt that they must tell of the inestimable treasure they had received. They could not rest till the light which had illumined their minds was shining upon others. Multitudes of unbelievers were made acquainted with the reasons of the Christians hope. Warm, inspired personal appeals were made to the erring, to the outcast, and to those who, while professing to know the truth, were lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. {AA 579.2 }[5]
§13
但过了一段时期，信徒的热心开始减退了，他们爱上帝和彼此相爱的心也渐渐低落了。冷淡的现象潜入教会。有一些人忘记自己领受真理时所有的奇妙方式。那些执掌真理旗帜的老前辈一个一个在岗位上倒下去了。有一些原应与这些先导同负重担，借此准备自己作明智领袖的较为年轻的工人，对于那经常反复讲论的真理竟感到厌倦了。他们因渴望一些新奇而带有刺激性的事，故企图发明一些新道理，虽然更加迎合许多人的心理，但毕竟是与福音的基本原则不相符的。他们在自满的心理和属灵的盲目之下，没有看出这些诡辩终必使许多人怀疑过去的经验，而因此导致混乱与不信。[6]{AA 580.1 }
§14
But after a time the zeal of the believers began to wane, and their love for God and for one another grew less. Coldness crept into the church. Some forgot the wonderful manner in which they had received the truth. One by one the old standard-bearers fell at their post. Some of the younger workers, who might have shared the burdens of these pioneers, and thus have been prepared for wise leadership, had become weary of oft-repeated truths. In their desire for something novel and startling they attempted to introduce new phases of doctrine, more pleasing to many minds, but not in harmony with the fundamental principles of the gospel. In their self-confidence and spiritual blindness they failed to discern that these sophistries would cause many to question the experiences of the past, and would thus lead to confusion and unbelief. {AA 580.1 }[6]
§15
这些假道理既被强调，于是就引起了异见，因此许多人的视线就不再仰望那为他们信心创始成终的耶稣了。那原应用来宣传福音的时间，现在竟被讨论不重要的道理并思考人所发明悦耳的虚谈占用了。那些本可因忠心的宣讲真理而感悟并悔改的群众，结果并未得到警告。敬虔迅速地衰弱了，而撒但则似乎将要较比那些自称为基督徒的人占优势了。[7]{AA 580.2 }
§16
As these false doctrines were urged, differences sprang up, and the eyes of many were turned from beholding Jesus as the Author and Finisher of their faith. The discussion of unimportant points of doctrine, and the contemplation of pleasing fables of mans invention, occupied time that should have been spent in proclaiming the gospel. The masses that might have been convicted and converted by a faithful presentation of the truth were left unwarned. Piety was rapidly waning, and Satan seemed about to gain the ascendancy over those who claimed to be followers of Christ. {AA 580.2 }[7]
§17
正值教会历史上的这个紧急关头，约翰被判处流刑。教会从来没有像这个时候那样需要听到他的声音。原先和他同工传道的人几乎都已殉道。剩余的信徒也正面临剧烈的反对。基督教会的仇敌得胜的日子，显然相距不远了。[8]{AA 581.1 }
§18
It was at this critical time in the history of the church that John was sentenced to banishment. Never had his voice been needed by the church as now. Nearly all his former associates in the ministry had suffered martyrdom. The remnant of believers was facing fierce opposition. To all outward appearance the day was not far distant when the enemies of the church of Christ would triumph. {AA 581.1 }[8]
§19
但在冥冥之中，主的圣手仍在运行。由于上帝的安排，约翰被放逐的地方正是基督能将自己和神圣真理奇妙地启示给他，借以开导教会的地方。[9]{AA 581.2 }
§20
But the Lords hand was moving unseen in the darkness. In the providence of God, John was placed where Christ could give him a wonderful revelation of Himself and of divine truth for the enlightenment of the churches. {AA 581.2 }[9]
§21
真理的仇敌将约翰放逐海外，希望借此永远止息这位上帝忠仆的声音；但在拔摩岛上，这位使徒却领受了一种信息，其影响将要继续加强教会，直到末时。那些放逐约翰的人固然不能因此逃脱他们恶行的责任，但他们终究成为上帝手中的工具，实现了上天的旨意；而他们企图熄灭真光的努力反而使之更显光明了。[10]{AA 581.3 }
§22
In exiling John, the enemies of truth had hoped to silence forever the voice of Gods faithful witness; but on Patmos the disciple received a message, the influence of which was to continue to strengthen the church till the end of time. Though not released from the responsibility of their wrong act, those who banished John became instruments in the hands of God to carry out Heavens purpose; and the very effort to extinguish the light placed the truth in bold relief. {AA 581.3 }[10]
§23
荣耀的主向这位被放逐的使徒显现，乃是在安息日。约翰在拔摩岛上依然谨守安息圣日，正如他在犹太各城镇中向民众传道时一样。约翰声称有权领受有关那日所赐的宝贵应许为他自己的。约翰写道：“当主日我被圣灵感动，听见在我后面有大声音如吹号说：‘我是阿拉法，我是俄梅戛，是昔在今在以后永在的全能者。’……我转过身来，要看是谁发声与我说话。既转过来，就看见七个金灯台；灯台中间有一位好像人子。”（启1:8,10-13）[11]{AA 581.4 }
§24
It was on the Sabbath that the Lord of glory appeared to the exiled apostle. The Sabbath was as sacredly observed by John on Patmos as when he was preaching to the people in the towns and cities of Judea. He claimed as his own the precious promises that had been given regarding that day. I was in the Spirit on the Lords day, John writes, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last. . . . And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; and in the midst of the seven candlesticks One like unto the Son of man. Revelation 1:10-13. {AA 581.4 }[11]
§25
这位蒙爱的门徒所得的恩典是极丰厚的。他曾在客西马尼园看见他的夫子脸上流着惨痛的血点，“他的面貌比别人憔悴，他的形容比世人枯槁。”（赛52:14）他曾看见他在罗马兵丁手中，身穿旧紫袍，头戴荆棘冠冕。他曾看见他挂在髑髅地的十字架上，作为众人残酷讥刺和侮辱的对象。如今约翰又再度获准看见他的主。但他的形貌已有何等的改变！他不再是被藐视、被人厌弃、多受痛苦的人。他身上穿的乃是焕发着天上光辉的衣袍。“他的头与发皆白，如白羊毛，如雪；眼目如同火焰；脚好像在炉中锻炼光明的铜。”（启1:14-15）他的声音如同众水的响声。面貌如同烈日发光。他手中拿着七星；从他口中出来一把两刃的利剑，象征他话语的能力。拔摩岛竟因复活之主的荣耀而光辉灿烂了。[12]{AA 582.1 }
§26
Richly favored was this beloved disciple. He had seen his Master in Gethsemane, His face marked with the blood drops of agony, His visage . . . marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men. Isaiah 52:14. He had seen Him in the hands of the Roman soldiers, clothed with an old purple robe and crowned with thorns. He had seen Him hanging on the cross of Calvary, the object of cruel mockery and abuse. Now John is once more permitted to behold his Lord. But how changed is His appearance! He is no longer a Man of Sorrows, despised and humiliated by men. He is clothed in a garment of heavenly brightness. His head and His hairs are white like wool, as white as snow; and His eyes . . . as a flame of fire; and His feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace. Revelation 1:14, 15. His voice is like the music of many waters. His countenance shines as the sun. In His hand are seven stars, and out of His mouth issues a sharp two-edged sword, an emblem of the power of His word. Patmos is made resplendent with the glory of the risen Lord. {AA 582.1 }[12]
§27
约翰写道：“我一看见，就仆倒在他脚前，像死了一样。他用右手按着我说：不要惧怕！”（启1:17）[13]{AA 582.2 }
§28
And when I saw Him, John writes, I fell at His feet as dead. And He laid His right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not. Verse 17. {AA 582.2 }[13]
§29
约翰得到力量，可以在他荣耀的主面前存活。于是在他眼前惊奇地展开了天国的荣耀景象。他蒙准许得以观看上帝的宝座，并展望地上的斗争结束之后，看到那一群身穿白衣的赎民。他听到天使的音乐，以及那些因羔羊的血，和自己所见证的道而得胜之人的凯歌。在赐予他的启示中，有一幕幕最动人的景象展开，说明上帝子民的经验，并预言教会的历史，直到末时。许多极重要的题旨都已用象征和表号指示约翰了，他要将这一切记录下来，以便生存在当时和以后各时代的上帝子民，得以理解他们所行将遭遇的危险与斗争。[14]{AA 582.3 }
§30
John was strengthened to live in the presence of his glorified Lord. Then before his wondering vision were opened the glories of heaven. He was permitted to see the throne of God and, looking beyond the conflicts of earth, to behold the white-robed throng of the redeemed. He heard the music of the heavenly angels and the triumphant songs of those who had overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. In the revelation given to him there was unfolded scene after scene of thrilling interest in the experience of the people of God, and the history of the church foretold to the very close of time. In figures and symbols, subjects of vast importance were presented to John, which he was to record, that the people of God living in his age and in future ages might have an intelligent understanding of the perils and conflicts before them. {AA 582.3 }[14]
§31
这种启示原是赐下作为全部新约时期中教会的指导和安慰的。然而宗教教师们竟声称启示录乃是一部封闭的书，其中的奥秘无法解释。因此，许多人就歧视这部预言的记录，而不肯下功夫研究其中的奥秘。但上帝不愿他的子民如此看待这卷书。这书乃是“耶稣基督的启示，就是上帝赐给他，叫他将必要快成的事指示他的众仆人。”主说：“念这书上预言的和那些听见又遵守其中所记载的，都是有福的，因为日期近了。”“我向一切听见这书上预言的作见证，若有人在这预言上加添什么，上帝必将写在这书上的灾祸加在他身上；这书上的预言，若有人删去什么，上帝必从这书上所写的生命树和圣城，删去他的分。证明这事的说：是了，我必快来。”（启1:1,3；22:18-20）[15]{AA 583.1 }
§32
This revelation was given for the guidance and comfort of the church throughout the Christian dispensation. Yet religious teachers have declared that it is a sealed book and its secrets cannot be explained. Therefore many have turned from the prophetic record, refusing to devote time and study to its mysteries. But God does not wish His people to regard the book thus. It is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to show unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass. Blessed is he that readeth, the Lord declares, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand. Verses 1, 3. I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the Holy City, and from the things which are written in this book. He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Revelation 22:18-20. {AA 583.1 }[15]
§33
启示录中说明了上帝深奥的事。其灵感的篇章之所以命名《启示录》，实足以反驳那认其为封闭之书的说法。所谓“启示”乃是开启的指示。主曾亲自向他的仆人启示本书所记载的奥秘，而且他也计划将这些奥秘公开，以供众人的研究。其中的真理是写给那些生存在约翰时代之人的，也是写给那些生存在世界历史末期之人的。这预言中所叙述的事一部分已成过去，一部分正在演进；一部分使人看到黑暗权势与天上君王之间的大争斗，一部分则显示赎民在新天地所有的胜利与喜乐。[16]{AA 584.1 }
§34
In the Revelation are portrayed the deep things of God. The very name given to its inspired pages, the Revelation, contradicts the statement that this is a sealed book. A revelation is something revealed. The Lord Himself revealed to His servant the mysteries contained in this book, and He designs that they shall be open to the study of all. Its truths are addressed to those living in the last days of this earths history, as well as to those living in the days of John. Some of the scenes depicted in this prophecy are in the past, some are now taking place; some bring to view the close of the great conflict between the powers of darkness and the Prince of heaven, and some reveal the triumphs and joys of the redeemed in the earth made new. {AA 584.1 }[16]
§35
任何人都不可因自己不能解释启示录中每一表号的意义，而以为自己在这卷书里进行探索以求明白其中真理的意义，乃是徒劳无益的。那将这些奥秘启示约翰的主，必赐给每一殷勤寻求真理的人预先尝到天上事物的滋味。凡是敞开心门来接受真理的人，就必能明白其中的教训，而且凡“念这书上预言的，和那些听见又遵守其中所记载的，”都必承受所应许的福分。[17]{AA 584.2 }
§36
Let none think, because they cannot explain the meaning of every symbol in the Revelation, that it is useless for them to search this book in an effort to know the meaning of the truth it contains. The One who revealed these mysteries to John will give to the diligent searcher for truth a foretaste of heavenly things. Those whose hearts are open to the reception of truth will be enabled to understand its teachings, and will be granted the blessing promised to those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein. {AA 584.2 }[17]
§37
启示录乃是《圣经》各卷的综合与总结。它也是但以理书的补编。一卷是预言，另一卷则是启示。那被封闭的书并不是启示录，而是但以理预言中有关末日的一部分。天使曾吩咐说：“但以理啊！你要隐藏这话，封闭这书，直到末时。”（但12:4）[18]{AA 585.1 }
§38
In the Revelation all the books of the Bible meet and end. Here is the complement of the book of Daniel. One is a prophecy; the other a revelation. The book that was sealed is not the Revelation, but that portion of the prophecy of Daniel relating to the last days. The angel commanded, But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end. Daniel 12:4. {AA 585.1 }[18]
§39
那吩咐约翰将那向他展开的事记录下来的，乃是基督。他吩咐说：“你所看见的，当写在书上，达与以弗所、士每拿、别迦摩、推雅推喇、撒狄、非拉铁非、老底嘉，那七个教会。”我“是那存活的，我曾死过；现在又活了，直活到永永远远。……所以你要把所看见的，和现在的事，并将来必成的事，都写出来；论到你所看见在我右手中的七星，和七个金灯台的奥秘。那七星就是七个教会的使者，七灯台就是七个教会。”（启1:11,18-20）[19]{AA 585.2 }
§40
It was Christ who bade the apostle record that which was to be opened before him. What thou seest, write in a book, He commanded, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore. . . . Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; the mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in My right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. Revelation 1:11, 18-20. {AA 585.2 }[19]
§41
七教会的名字代表纪元后七个不同时期中的教会。七是表示完全的数目，并象征这信息展延到末时的这一事实；而所用的表号则显明教会在世界历史各时期中的情况。[20]{AA 585.3 }
§42
The names of the seven churches are symbolic of the church in different periods of the Christian Era. The number 7 indicates completeness, and is symbolic of the fact that the messages extend to the end of time, while the symbols used reveal the condition of the church at different periods in the history of the world. {AA 585.3 }[20]
§43
启示录提及基督是常在各金灯台中间行走的。这足以象征他与各教会所有的关系。他是经常与他的子民交往的。他洞悉他们的真实情况。他观察他们的秩序、敬虔、与忠诚。他固然是天上圣所的大祭司和中保，但也被形容为是在他地上众教会中间往来行走的。他以不息不倦的警醒留意，要看他守望者的灯光是否有黯淡或熄灭的。如果这些灯台仅交由世人看守，它们的星星之火就必渐渐消灭；但他乃是上帝家里的真守望者，是圣殿院宇的真护卫者。他不断的照顾和保守的恩典乃是生命与光明的来源。[21]{AA 586.1 }
§44
Christ is spoken of as walking in the midst of the golden candlesticks. Thus is symbolized His relation to the churches. He is in constant communication with His people. He knows their true state. He observes their order, their piety, their devotion. Although He is high priest and mediator in the sanctuary above, yet He is represented as walking up and down in the midst of His churches on the earth. With untiring wakefulness and unremitting vigilance, He watches to see whether the light of any of His sentinels is burning dim or going out. If the candlesticks were left to mere human care, the flickering flame would languish and die; but He is the true watchman in the Lords house, the true warden of the temple courts. His continued care and sustaining grace are the source of life and light. {AA 586.1 }[21]
§45
基督被描述为右手拿着七星。这就向我们保证：只要教会忠于她所受的委托。她就不必惧怕归于无用了；因为没有一颗受全能者保护的星能从基督手里被夺去。[22]{AA 586.2 }
§46
Christ is represented as holding the seven stars in His right hand. This assures us that no church faithful to its trust need fear coming to nought, for not a star that has the protection of Omnipotence can be plucked out of the hand of Christ. {AA 586.2 }[22]
§47
“那右手拿着七星、在七个金灯台中间行走的，说”（启2:1），这些话乃是对教会的教师们，就是凡为上帝所赋以重大责任的人说的。教会所富有的优美感化力都是与上帝的传道人息息相关的，他们乃是要表显基督的爱。原来天上的众星都在他的管辖之下。他使它们充满光明，他指引并督导它们的运转。他若不如此行，它们就要变成陨落的星了。他的传道人也是如此。他们不过是他手里的器皿，他们所成就的善事也都是靠他的能力而成的。他的光要借着他们照耀出来。救主要作他们的功能。只要他们仰望他，像他仰望天父一样，他们就必得着能力去作他所作的工。当他们以上帝为他们的倚靠时，他就必将他的光明赐给他们去反射给世界。[23]{AA 586.3 }
§48
These things saith He that holdeth the seven stars in His right hand. Revelation 2:1. These words are spoken to the teachers in the church--those entrusted by God with weighty responsibilities. The sweet influences that are to be abundant in the church are bound up with Gods ministers, who are to reveal the love of Christ. The stars of heaven are under His control. He fills them with light. He guides and directs their movements. If He did not do this, they would become fallen stars. So with His ministers. They are but instruments in His hands, and all the good they accomplish is done through His power. Through them His light is to shine forth. The Saviour is to be their efficiency. If they will look to Him as He looked to the Father they will be enabled to do His work. As they make God their dependence, He will give them His brightness to reflect to the world. {AA 586.3 }[23]
§49
在教会历史的初期，使徒保罗所预言的“不法的隐意”就已开始它毒害的工作了；当彼得所警告信徒防备的假师傅起来提倡异端时，许多人就被他们的假道理所牢笼了。有一些人在考验之下动摇起来，几乎受引诱要放弃信仰了。在约翰领受这一启示的时期中，许多人已经失去对于福音真理的起初的爱心。但上帝因他的怜悯，并没有任凭教会一直留在退后的状态中。他在无限亲切的信息中向他们表示了他对他们的爱，而且他的希望就是他们当为永恒作成得救的工作。他恳劝说：“应当回想你是从哪里堕落的，并要悔改，行起初所行的事。”（启2:5）[24]{AA 587.1 }
§50
Early in the history of the church the mystery of iniquity foretold by the apostle Paul began its baleful work; and as the false teachers concerning whom Peter had warned the believers, urged their heresies, many were ensnared by false doctrines. Some faltered under trial and were tempted to give up the faith. At the time when John was given this revelation, many had lost their first love of gospel truth. But in His mercy God did not leave the church to continue in a backslidden state. In a message of infinite tenderness He revealed His love for them and His desire that they should make sure work for eternity. Remember, He pleaded, from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works. Verse 5. {AA 587.1 }[24]
§51
那时教会是有缺欠的，正需要严厉的责备和管教；所以约翰受感要记录警告和责备的信息，给那些因忘记福音的基本原则而危害到自己得救指望的人。然而上帝所认为必须发出的责备，都是凭着亲切的爱讲出来的，同时还带有给予每一悔改之信徒的应许。主宣告说：“看哪，我站在门外叩门，若有听见我声音就开门的，我要进到他那里去，我与他，他与我一同坐席。”（启3:20）[25]{AA 587.2 }
§52
The church was defective and in need of stern reproof and chastisement, and John was inspired to record messages of warning and reproof and entreaty to those who, losing sight of the fundamental principles of the gospel, should imperil their hope of salvation. But always the words of rebuke that God finds it necessary to send are spoken in tender love and with the promise of peace to every penitent believer. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock, the Lord declares; if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:20. {AA 587.2 }[25]
§53
对于那些在斗争中仍保持信仰上帝的人，先知约翰传达了以下的称赞和应许：“我知道你的行为，你略有一点力量，也曾遵守我的道，没有弃绝我的名。看哪，我在你面前给你一个敞开的门，是无人能关的。……你既遵守我忍耐的道，我必在普天下人受试炼的时候，保守你免去你的试炼。”有话劝告信徒说：“你要警醒，坚固那剩下将要衰微的。”“我必快来，你要持守你所有的，免得人夺去你的冠冕。”（启3:8,10,2,11）[26]{AA 587.3 }
§54
And for those who in the midst of conflict should maintain their faith in God, the prophet was given the words of commendation and promise: I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My word, and hast not denied My name. Because thou hast kept the word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. The believers were admonished: Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Verses 8, 10, 2, 11. {AA 587.3 }[26]
§55
基督将教会为他的缘故所必要遭遇的磨难启示他们，乃是借着那宣称自己为“弟兄”和在“患难……里一同有份”的一位。（启1:9）这年迈的放逐者展望到以后漫长世纪的黑暗与迷信，看出许许多多的人因维护真理而致为道殉身。但他也看出：那位支持他早年见证人的主，在他忠心信徒于末期来到之前所必须经过的几世纪逼迫中，决不至丢弃他们。主说：“你将要受的苦你不用怕，魔鬼要把你们中间几个人下在监里，叫你们被试炼；你们必受患难。……你务要至死忠心，我就赐给你那生命的冠冕。”（启2:10）[27]{AA 588.1 }
§56
It was through one who declared himself to be a brother, and companion in tribulation (Revelation 1:9), that Christ revealed to His church the things that they must suffer for His sake. Looking down through long centuries of darkness and superstition, the aged exile saw multitudes suffering martyrdom because of their love for the truth. But he saw also that He who sustained His early witnesses would not forsake His faithful followers during the centuries of persecution that they must pass through before the close of time. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer, the Lord declared; behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation: . . . be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Revelation 2:10. {AA 588.1 }[27]
§57
约翰又听到那向一切与邪恶斗争的忠实信徒所发的应许：“得胜的，我必将上帝乐园中生命树的果子赐给他吃。”“凡得胜的，必这样穿白衣；我也必不从生命册上涂抹他的名，且要在我父面前和我父众使者面前，认他的名。”“得胜的，我要赐他在我宝座上与我同坐，就如我得了胜，在我父的宝座上与他同坐一般。”（启2:7；3:5,21）[28]{AA 588.2 }
§58
And to all the faithful ones who were striving against evil, John heard the promises made: To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne. Verse 7; 3:5, 21. {AA 588.2 }[28]
§59
约翰看到有上帝的怜悯、温柔与慈爱调和着他的圣洁、公义与能力。他看到罪人因自己的罪而使他们有所畏惧的上帝竟成为他们的父亲。他又展望到那大斗争到达终极之后，看见在锡安山上有“那些胜了……的人，都站在玻璃海上，拿着上帝的琴，”唱着摩西和羔羊的歌。（启15:2-3）[29]{AA 589.1 }
§60
John saw the mercy, the tenderness, and the love of God blending with His holiness, justice, and power. He saw sinners finding a Father in Him of whom their sins had made them afraid. And looking beyond the culmination of the great conflict, he beheld upon Zion them that had gotten the victory . . . stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God, and singing the song of Moses and the Lamb. Revelation 15:2, 3. {AA 589.1 }[29]
§61
救主以“犹大支派中的狮子”和“像是被杀过的”“羔羊”为象征，出现在约翰面前。（启5:5-6）这些象征代表着无限无穷之能力与自我牺牲之爱的结合。“犹大支派的狮子”对于凡拒绝他恩典的人虽是非常可怕的，但在顺从和效忠的人却成了“上帝的羔羊”那向一切违犯上帝律法的人表示恐怖和忿怒的火柱，在那些曾经遵守他诫命的人却成了光明、怜悯、与拯救的信号。那打击悖逆之徒的大能的膀臂，必以大能拯救效忠的人。凡忠心的人都必得救。“他要差遣使者，用号筒的大声，将他的选民从四方，从天这边到天那边，都招聚了来。”（太24:31）[30]{AA 589.2 }
§62
The Saviour is presented before John under the symbols of the Lion of the tribe of Judah and of a Lamb as it had been slain. Revelation 5:5, 6. These symbols represent the union of omnipotent power and self-sacrificing love. The Lion of Judah, so terrible to the rejectors of His grace, will be the Lamb of God to the obedient and faithful. The pillar of fire that speaks terror and wrath to the transgressor of Gods law is a token of light and mercy and deliverance to those who have kept His commandments. The arm strong to smite the rebellious will be strong to deliver the loyal. Everyone who is faithful will be saved. He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Matthew 24:31. {AA 589.2 }[30]
§63
上帝的子民与全世界千千万万的人比较起来，原来是，而且始终是一小群；但只要他们持守《圣经》中所显明的真理，上帝就必作他们的避难所。他们必站在全能者的广阔盾牌之下。上帝一直是占多数的。当末日号筒的声音穿透死者的监牢时，死了的义人必要胜利地出来，喊叫说：“死啊！你得胜的权势在哪里？死啊！你的毒钩在哪里？”（林前15:55）那时上帝的儿女必要与上帝、与基督、与天使，并与历代以来一切忠心诚实的圣徒站在一起，而且是占绝对多数的。[31]{AA 590.1 }
§64
In comparison with the millions of the world, Gods people will be, as they have ever been, a little flock; but if they stand for the truth as revealed in His word, God will be their refuge. They stand under the broad shield of Omnipotence. God is always a majority. When the sound of the last trump shall penetrate the prison house of the dead, and the righteous shall come forth with triumph, exclaiming, O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (1 Corinthians 15:55)--standing then with God, with Christ, with the angels, and with the loyal and true of all ages, the children of God will be far in the majority. {AA 590.1 }[31]
§65
基督的真实门徒必定要跟随他经过剧烈的奋斗、忍受克己的牺牲、并经历痛苦的失望；但这一切却教导他们明白罪恶的劣性与祸害，因而加以憎厌。他们既然与基督一同受苦，就必与他同得荣耀。先知约翰在圣洁的异象中，看到上帝余民教会的最后胜利。他写道：[32]{AA 590.2 }
§66
Christs true disciples follow Him through sore conflicts, enduring self-denial and experiencing bitter disappointment; but this teaches them the guilt and woe of sin, and they are led to look upon it with abhorrence. Partakers of Christs sufferings, they are destined to be partakers of His glory. In holy vision the prophet saw the ultimate triumph of Gods remnant church. He writes: {AA 590.2 }[32]
§67
“我看见仿佛有玻璃海，其中有火搀杂。又看见那些胜了……的人，都站在玻璃海上，拿着上帝的琴；唱上帝仆人摩西的歌，和羔羊的歌。说：主上帝、全能者啊！你的作为大哉！奇哉！万世之王啊！你的道途义哉！诚哉！”（启15:2-3）[33]{AA 590.3 }
§68
I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory . . . stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints. Revelation 15:2, 3. {AA 590.3 }[33]
§69
“我又观看，见羔羊站在锡安山，同他又有十四万四千人，都有他的名和他父的名，写在额上。”（启14:1）在这个世界上，他们的思想已经是献给上帝的；他们尽心尽智侍奉他，所以现在他能将他的名写在他们的“额上”。“他们要作王，直到永永远远。”（启22:5）他们并不像那些来请求栖身之所的人进来了又出去。他们乃是列入基督所说“你们这蒙我父赐福的，可来承受那创世以来为你们所预备的国”的那一班人之内的。他欢迎他们作他的儿女，说：“可以进来享受你主人的快乐。”（太25:34,21）[34]{AA 590.4 }
§70
And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the Mount Sion, and with Him a hundred forty and four thousand, having His Fathers name written in their foreheads. Revelation 14:1. In this world their minds were consecrated to God; they served Him with the intellect and with the heart; and now He can place His name in their foreheads. And they shall reign for ever and ever. Revelation 22:5. They do not go in and out as those who beg a place. They are of that number to whom Christ says, Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. He welcomes them as His children, saying, Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. Matthew 25:34, 21. {AA 590.4 }[34]
§71
“羔羊无论往哪里去，他们都跟随他。他们是从人间买来的，作初熟的果子归与上帝和羔羊。”（启14:4）先知所见的异象中描写他们站在锡安山，准备从事圣洁的服务，身穿洁白的细麻衣，就是圣徒所行的义。但是所有在天上跟随羔羊的，必须先在地上跟随他，并不是激动躁急，反复无常，而是信靠敬爱、甘心顺从的跟随他，就像羊群跟从牧人一样。[35]{AA 591.1 }
§72
These are they which follow the Lamb withersoever He goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb. Revelation 14:4. The vision of the prophet pictures them as standing on Mount Zion, girt for holy service, clothed in white linen, which is the righteousness of the saints. But all who follow the Lamb in heaven must first have followed Him on earth, not fretfully or capriciously, but in trustful, loving, willing obedience, as the flock follows the shepherd. {AA 591.1 }[35]
§73
“我所听见的好像弹琴的所弹的琴声。他们在宝座前……唱歌，仿佛是新歌；除了从地上买来的那十四万四千人以外，没有人能学这歌。……他们是从人间买来的。……在他们口中察不出谎言来；他们是没有瑕疵的。”（启14:2-5）[36]{AA 591.2 }
§74
I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: and they sung as it were a new song before the throne: . . . and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. . . . In their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. Verses 2-5. {AA 591.2 }[36]
§75
“我又看见圣城新耶路撒冷由上帝那里从天而降，预备好了，就如新妇妆饰整齐，等候丈夫。”“城的光辉如同极贵的宝石，好像碧玉，明如水晶；有高大的墙；有十二个门，门上有十二位天使；门上又写着以色列十二个支派的名字。”“十二个门是十二颗珍珠；每门是一颗珍珠；城内的街道是精金，好像明透的玻璃。我未见城内有殿；因主上帝全能者、和羔羊、为城的殿。”（启21:2,11-12,21-22）[37]{AA 591.3 }
§76
And I John saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; and had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. The twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. Revelation 21:2, 11, 12, 21, 22. {AA 591.3 }[37]
§77
“以后再没有咒诅；在城里有上帝和羔羊的宝座；他的仆人都要侍奉他，也要见他的面。他的名字必写在他们的额上。不再有黑夜；他们也不用灯光日光；因为主上帝要光照他们。”（启22:3-5）[38]{AA 592.1 }
§78
And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him: and they shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light. Revelation 22:3-5. {AA 592.1 }[38]
§79
“天使又指示我在城内街道当中一道生命水的河，明亮如水晶，从上帝和羔羊的宝座流出来。在河这边与那边有生命树，结十二样果子，每月都结果子；树上的叶子乃为医治万民。”“那些洗净自己衣服的有福了！可得权柄能到生命树那里，也能从门进城。”（启22:1-2,14）[39]{AA 592.2 }
§80
He showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. Verses 1, 2, 14. {AA 592.2 }[39]
§81
“我听见有大声音从宝座出来说：看哪！上帝的帐幕在人间；他要与人同住，他们要作他的子民，上帝要亲自与他们同在，作他们的上帝。”（启21:3）[40]{AA 592.3 }
§82
And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, And He will dwell with them, And they shall be His people, And God Himself shall be with them, And be their God. Revelation 21:3. {AA 592.3 }[40]